Umbrella carrier

ABSTRACT

An umbrella carrier comprising a sheath shaped for receiving an umbrella. The sheath is formed of flexible material. The sheath extends from an open proximal end to a distal end. A receiver is fixed at the distal end of the sheath. The receiver is formed of plastic material and is shaped to receive a distal tip of the umbrella. A seal is seated in the receiver and adapted to engage the distal tip of the umbrella to seal against the distal tip and prevent water from draining out of the carrier when the umbrella is in position in the carrier.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/390,666, filed on Oct. 7, 2010, the entire contentsof which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an umbrella carrier for anumbrella. The carrier is used to stow and transport an umbrella when notin use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Umbrellas have been used for decades to protect people from water duringrainfall. Umbrellas typically include a handle and a tube or shaftextending from the handle to a distal end. A frame of struts and/or ribsis attached to the tube at the distal end, spaced from the handle. Acover is supported by the frame. The cover expands or collapses with theframe when the umbrella is opened or closed by a user, either manuallyor by an actuation mechanism. When opened and raised over the user'shead, the cover protects the user from getting wet.

One of the inconveniences posed by using an umbrella is finding a simplemanner in which to carry the umbrella when not in use. Umbrella carriersare known for holding and transporting umbrellas. One such carrier isshown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,807 to Jackson.

Jackson discloses an umbrella carrier comprising a tubular sheath and astrap to carry the sheath on a user's shoulder. The tubular sheath isformed of inner and outer sleeves and a stiffening layer placed betweenthe inner and outer sleeves. The inner and outer sleeves are formed ofvinyl or vinyl-like material, while the stiffening layer may be made offabric. A bottom is stitched to the outer sleeve. A grommet defines adrain hole in the bottom. When a wet umbrella is placed in the carrier,water can leak out of the carrier through the drain hole. As a result,the user must be careful to direct the bottom of the carrier away fromhis or her clothes to keep them from getting wet.

Other prior art umbrellas utilize flimsy bags in which to place the wetumbrella after use. However, the umbrellas are sometimes difficult toplace in the bags because of the lack of any structure to prevent thebag from folding over on itself. The bags are also fully enclosedwithout any vents so that a wet umbrella causes the bag to stay wet forprolonged periods of time. There is a need in the art for an umbrellacarrier that can overcome the aforementioned deficiencies of prior artumbrella carriers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an umbrella carrier for an umbrella. Thecarrier comprises a sheath having an open proximal end for receiving theumbrella. The sheath extends from the open proximal end to a distal end.The sheath is formed of flexible material. A carrying strap is attachedto the sheath to carry the sheath on a shoulder of a user. A receiver isattached to the distal end of the sheath. The receiver is at leastpartially covered by the sheath. The receiver defines an opening and athroughbore. The receiver tapers inwardly between the opening and thethroughbore to facilitate sliding of the distal tip of the umbrellathrough the opening and into the throughbore. An annular seal is seatedin the receiver. The seal has a sealing surface configured to engage andseal against the distal tip of the umbrella when the distal tip slidesinto the throughbore to prevent water leakage out of the receiver.

In some embodiments a plurality of spaced apart eyelets are mounted tothe sheath between the open proximal end and the distal end. The eyeletsdefine aeration ports through the sheath to facilitate drying of thecarrier when the umbrella is removed from the bag.

The carrier of the present invention solves many of the deficiencies ofthe prior art. For instance, the carrier provides a mechanism in whichwater is prevented from leaking out of the carrier, while at the sametime managing the water contained in the carrier. When the distal tip ofthe umbrella is sealed in the throughbore water collects in the receiveruntil the distal tip of the umbrella is removed. Upon removal, the waterdrains from the receiver. The aeration ports also act to manage thewater that would be otherwise trapped in the carrier when a wet umbrellais stowed therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as thesame becomes better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription when considered in connection with the accompanying drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an umbrella carrier;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the umbrella carrier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial rear perspective view of the umbrella carrier ofFIG. 1 showing a receiver and stiffener;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 4-4 inFIG. 3;

FIG. 4A is a bottom perspective view of a seal;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the seal of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C illustrates a tip of an umbrella engaging the seal of FIG. 4B;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 5-5 inFIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a user carrying the umbrella carrier ofFIGS. 1-5 using a strap; and

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an alternative umbrella carrier comprisingall of the same components as shown in FIGS. 1-5 and attached to abackpack using connectors or fasteners.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like orcorresponding parts throughout the several views, an umbrella carrierfor holding and transporting an umbrella 8 is generally shown at 10 inFIGS. 1 and 2. The user can stow and transport the umbrella 8 in thecarrier 10 when the umbrella 8 is wet. The carrier 10 manages waterreceived therein from the wet umbrella to reduce any potential for theuser to get wet.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the carrier 10 comprises a sheath 32 havingan open proximal end 34 for receiving the umbrella 8. The sheath 32extends from the proximal end 34 to a distal end 36. The sheath has aslight taper from the open proximal end 34 to the distal end 36 anddefines an interior space for holding the umbrella 8. The sheath 32 isdimensioned to snugly hold the umbrella 8 in the interior space when theumbrella 8 is collapsed and placed therein. The sheath 32 acts as abarrier between the umbrella 8 and the user. The sheath 32 is flexible.

A strap 12 is attached to opposing ends of the sheath 32 so that theuser can support the carrier 10 over his or her shoulder for transport.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the sheath 32 comprises inner 38, outer 40and intermediate 42 layers of material. The inner 38 and outer 40 layersare formed of flexible and water resistant materials. In someembodiments, the inner 38 and outer 40 layers are formed of nylonmaterials. In further embodiments, the inner 38 and outer 40 layers areformed of ripstop nylon or nylon taffeta (e.g., 70-Denier nylontaffeta). In the embodiment shown the inner layer 38 is formed of 100%nylon and the outer layer 40 is formed of polyurethane (PU). In otherembodiments, the inner 38 and outer 40 layers are formed of vinyl orvinyl-like material.

The intermediate (or middle) layer 42 is formed of a polymer blendedmaterial or fabric. The intermediate layer 42 is less flexible than theinner 38 and outer 40 layers in some embodiments. The intermediate layer42 is configured to increase the stiffness of the sheath 32, while stillmaintaining flexibility. The intermediate layer 42 has a higher porosity(pores per square inch) than the inner 38 and outer 40 layers.

Referring specifically to FIG. 1, retaining rings 14, 16 are attached tothe sheath 32. The rings 14, 16, also referred to as D-rings, areattached to fabric loops (not separately numbered) sewn into the sheath32. The rings 14, 16 are spaced from one another on opposing ends of thecarrier 10. The rings 14, 16 receive the strap 12.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the strap 12 is formed of two flexible strapsections 12 a, 12 b, but could similarly be formed of a single strapsection. Each of the strap sections 12 a, 12 b comprises a first end 18a, 18 b fixed to an adjustment ring 20 a, 20 b (used to adjust thelength of the strap section 12 a, 12 b) and a second end 22 a, 22 bfixed to a buckle part 24 a, 24 b. The buckle parts 24 a, 24 b areconfigured to interlock in a conventional snap-fit and releasable mannerto form a continuous strap. The buckle parts 24 a, 24 b could be formedof plastic or metal. FIG. 6 shows a user supporting the carrier 10 overtheir shoulder using the strap 12. Additionally, a belt loop 26 is fixedto the carrier 10 (such as by being sewn to the sheath 32). The beltloop enables a user to mount the carrier 10 to a belt (not shown).

A collar 43 is attached to the layers 38, 40, 42 at the proximal end 34to hold the layers 38, 40, 42 together. The layers 38, 40, 42 couldadditionally be separately sewn together at the proximal end 34. Thecollar 43 stiffens the proximal end 34 to reinforce the opening thatreceives the umbrella 8. The collar 43 has an aesthetically pleasingappearance and may be formed of leather.

Referring to FIG. 4, the collar 43 is folded over the layers 38, 40, 42and sewn or glued thereto (not shown). The collar 43 defines an interiorcircumferential passage 45. A shaping ring 47 of plastic material isdisposed in the passage 45. The ring 47 is secured in place in thepassage 45 between the collar 43 and the layers 38, 40, 42. The ring 47extends about the entire circumference of the collar 43. The ring 47 isannular. In some embodiments, the ring 47 has a predefined circularshape in a normal unbiased state. In yet other embodiments, the ring hasa predefined oval or elliptical shape in a normal unbiased state. Thering 47 acts to maintain the collar 43 in the predefined shape tomaintain the opening for the umbrella 8 and facilitate insertion of theumbrella 8. In some embodiments, the ring 47 is formed of metal wire.

A receiver 44 is fixed to the distal end 36 of the sheath 32. The layers38, 40, 42, are secured to each other and to the receiver 44 with anadhesive A. The adhesive A could be any adhesive suitable for fixing thesheath 32 to the receiver 44. The receiver 44 is generally circular inhorizontal cross-section (see FIG. 5). The receiver 44 accepts a distalend of the umbrella 8, including the distal tip T, when the umbrella 8is placed in the carrier 10. The receiver 44 is formed of two piecesfixed together, including a cap 48 and a body 50. In other embodimentsthe receiver 44 could be one piece.

The body 50 defines a cavity 54 with a first open end 56 (defines anopening) shaped to receive the distal tip T of the umbrella 8. Thecavity 54 tapers inwardly between the first open end 56 and athrough-bore 58. The tapering of the cavity 54 (or the wall 79 definingthe cavity 54) facilitates sliding of the distal tip T of the umbrella 8toward the through-bore 58. This tapering is linear (in a frustoconicalmanner) between the first open end 56 and the through-bore 58, as shown.In other embodiments, the tapering could be arcuate in shape, or othershapes, or could have a stepped geometry. Also, the taper may not beginuntil a position spaced from the first open end 56, as shown in FIG. 4.In this case, the taper is between the first open end 56 and thethrough-bore 58, but only along a portion of the distance between thefirst open end 56 and the through-bore 58.

The through-bore 58 of the body 50 opens into a larger diameter bore 60.An inner annular mating wall 65 defines the bore 60. The inner annularmating wall 65 protrudes distally and terminates to form a distal end ofthe body 50. An outer annular mating wall 64 also protrudes distally butterminates proximal to the distal end of the body 50. The inner annularmating wall 65 has an outer diameter that is smaller than an outerdiameter of the outer annular mating wall 64. The inner annular matingwall 65 is spaced radially inward from the outer annular mating wall 64.

The cap 48 has an annular outer mating recess 66 that is sized andconfigured for snug mating reception of the outer annular mating wall 64of the body 50. The cap 48 has a second through-bore 68 withsubstantially the same diameter as the through-bore 58 in the body 50,i.e., both are sized and configured to receive the distal tip T of theumbrella 8. The through-bores 58, 68 are generally circular inhorizontal cross-section (see FIG. 5).

A third annular mating wall 72 is formed about the second through-bore68. The third annular mating wall 72 has a recessed portion (notseparately numbered) with a diameter that is greater than a diameter ofthe second through-bore 68 to define a seal bore 73. The third annularmating wall 72 of the cap 48 fits snugly in the bore 60 of the body 50when the cap 48 and body 50 mate. In some cases, there may be a slightinterference fit between the third annular mating wall 72 and the innerannular mating wall 65 of the body 50. The cap 48 is secured to the body50 with adhesive A. The walls 64, 65, 72 and bores 60, 73 are generallycircular in horizontal cross-section.

The cap 48 and body 50 are formed of a rigid plastic material. The cap48 and body 50 are injection molded. The cap 48 and body 50 may beformed of high density polyethylene, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, and thelike. The cap 48 and body 50 are more rigid than the sheath 32 to addrigidity and durability to the carrier 10 overall. The body 50 has agenerally frusto-conical outer surface 52. The cap 48 has a generallycylindrical outer surface 70. The sheath 32 is adhered to the outersurface 70 with the adhesive A. The sheath 32 is tightly wrapped aboutthe outer surface 52 of the body 50 and the outer surface 70 of the cap48 to at least partially cover the receiver 44. In the embodiment shown,a portion of the cap 48 is exposed below the distal end 36 of the sheath32. The receiver 44 partially closes the distal end 36 of the sheath 32.

A seal 74 is seated in the seal bore 73 of the receiver 44. The seal 74engages and secures the distal tip T of the umbrella 8 in the receiver44. The seal 74 acts to seal against the distal tip T and prevent waterfrom draining or dripping out of the second through-bore 68 when theumbrella 8 is in position in the carrier 10. As a result, the user doesnot get wet from water dripping out of the carrier 10. Instead, thecarrier 10 contains the water until the user pulls the umbrella 8 fromthe seal 74. The seal 74 is annular and more specifically circular. Insome embodiments, the seal is a plastic washer. The seal 74 is formed ofa durable plastic material capable of withstanding repeated exposure towet and dry conditions without cracking, or otherwise prematurelydeteriorating. The seal is formed of waterproof plastic material.

The seal 74 is captured between the cap 48 and the body 50 of thereceiver 44. The seal 74 is held in position in the seal bore 73 betweenthe third annular wall 72 of the cap 48 and the wall 79 of the body 50.The wall 79 protrudes radially inwardly over the seal bore 73 to form anupper abutment for the seal 74. The abutment prevents the seal 74 frombeing pulled out of the seal bore 73 when the umbrella 8 is withdrawnfrom sealing engagement with the seal 74. The seal 74 has a sealingsurface with an inner diameter slightly smaller than the through-bore 58to engage the tip T of the umbrella 8 (see FIGS. 4B, 4C and 5).

Referring to FIGS. 4B and 4C, the seal 74 is generally U-shaped incross-section. The seal 74 has a flexible lip 75 that flexes radiallyoutwardly when the tip T of the umbrella 8 is inserted therein (FIG.4C). In other words, the lip 75 forms an interference fit with the tip Tof the umbrella 8. When the tip T of the umbrella 8 is removed, the lip75 flexes back to its normal position (FIG. 4B). The seal 74 ispositioned in the seal bore 73 with the U-shape facing downwardly towardthe cap 48. In other embodiments, the seal could be an o-ring. The sealhas an inner diameter of from 0.1 inches to 1.0 inches, more preferablyfrom 0.2 inches to 0.8 inches, and most preferably from 0.2 inches to0.5 inches.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 3 through 5, a stiffener 80 (orstiffening rod) extends along the sheath 32 from the proximal 34 to thedistal 36 ends. The stiffener 80 adds pliability to the sheath 32. Thestiffener 80 extends at least 60% and more preferably at least 80% ofthe length of the sheath 32. Most preferably, the stiffener 80 extendsat least 90% of the length of the sheath 32. The stiffener 80 iselongate in shape, more-specially rod-shaped with a circularcross-section. The stiffener 80 is formed of plastic material such asfiberglass, or metal. The stiffener 80 has a cross-sectional diameter ofless than 0.5 inches, preferably less than 0.25 inches, more preferablybetween 0.02 inches and 0.25 inches, and most preferably between 0.05inches and 0.25 inches. In cases where the stiffener has a non-circularcross-section, the largest cross-sectional dimension falls within thesame ranges given.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the stiffener 80 is disposed in an innerelongate pocket 82 formed between the layers 38, 40, 42 and a narrowstrip of material 81. The strip of material 81 may extend the length ofthe layers 38, 40, 42 and may be formed of the same or similar materialsas that of any of the layers 38, 40, 42. The layers 38, 40, 42 are sewntogether along their length as shown in FIG. 5, along with the strip 81,to form the elongate pocket 82. The top of FIG. 4 shows the sheath 32cross-sectioned along the seam in which the layers 38, 40, 42 are bentinwardly along their edges and sewn together (see FIG. 5). As a result,only the bent edge of the outer layer 40 is shown next to the stiffener80.

The body 50 has a generally rectangular groove 53 defined therein. Apartial length of the stiffener 80 is located in the groove 53 in thebody 50 of the receiver 44 as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5. This partiallength of the stiffener 80 may be fixed in the groove 53, with orwithout the strip 81, by the adhesive A. Alternatively, the stiffener 80may be integrally molded with the body 50. The groove 53 has a widththat is dimensioned to orient the stiffener 80 in a desired longitudinalplacement.

The collar 43 acts as a proximal stop for the stiffener 80 at theproximal end 34. A distal shoulder 87 of the receiver 44 is formed atthe end of the groove 53. The distal shoulder 87 provides a lowerabutment for the opposing end of the stiffener 80. Alternatively, thestiffener 80 could be fixed to the strip 81 in the elongate pocket 82with adhesive. The stiffener 80 is sized such that it maintainsflexibility while at the same time helping to stiffen the sheath 32. Thestiffener 80 keeps the sheath 32 in a generally cylindrical shape(includes slight taper) to ease placement of the umbrella 8 in thesheath 32. With the stiffener 80 in place, the carrier 10 can be bent orpartially folded, but still return to its normal generally cylindricalshape.

A distal collar 49 is sewn to the layers 38, 40, 42. The distal collar49 and layers 38, 40, 42 are attached to the receiver 44 with theadhesive A, as shown in FIG. 4.

Referring back to FIG. 2, a plurality of eyelets 86 are mounted to thesheath 32 through the layers 38, 40, 42 to form aeration ports 88through the layers 38, 40, 42. The eyelets 86 are formed of metal withelectroplating AZO free Silver. The aeration ports 88 are disposed alongthe length of the carrier 10 and are spaced from the ends of the carrier10 to provide aeration inside the sheath 32. The aeration ports 88 areintended to facilitate drying inside the carrier 10 when the umbrella 8is removed (such as after the umbrella 8 is placed in the carrier 10 ina wet condition). The aeration ports 88 also act, although to a lesserdegree, to facilitate drying of the umbrella 8 when placed in a wetcondition in the carrier 10. The aeration ports 88 have a diameter of atleast 0.1 inches, preferably at least 0.2 inches, more preferablybetween 0.2 inches and 2.0 inches, and most preferably between 0.3inches and 1.0 inches.

An alternative embodiment of the carrier is shown in FIG. 7 and isnumbered 100. However, the carrier 100 has all the same features as thecarrier 10 except the carrier 100 has a pair of straps 112 a, 112 b thatmount the carrier 100 to a backpack 200. The straps 112 a, 112 b can besewn into the sheath 32 and have hook and loop fasteners (not shown)that mate with similar fasteners on the backpack 200. Alternatively, thestraps 112 a, 112 b can simply have mounting hooks or clasps (not shown)that hook into loops (not shown) on the backpack 200. As a furtheralternative, the straps 112 a, 112 b can have buckle parts that matewith corresponding buckle parts on the backpack similar to the buckleparts 24 a, 24 b.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention arepossible in light of the above description. While this description isdirected to particular embodiments, it is understood that those skilledin the art may conceive of modifications and/or variations to thespecific embodiments shown and described herein. Any such modificationsor variations, which fall within the purview of this description, areintended to be included herein as well. It is understood that thedescription herein is intended to be illustrative only and is notintended to be limited.

1. An umbrella carrier for an umbrella having a distal tip, saidumbrella carrier comprising: a sheath having an open proximal end forreceiving the umbrella and extending from said open proximal end to adistal end, said sheath being formed of flexible material; a carryingstrap attached to said sheath for carrying said sheath on a shoulder ofa user; a receiver formed of plastic material attached to said distalend of said sheath and at least partially covered by said sheath, saidreceiver defining an opening and a throughbore wherein said receivertapers radially inwardly between said opening and said throughbore tofacilitate sliding of the distal tip of the umbrella through saidopening and into said throughbore; an annular seal seated in saidreceiver and having a sealing surface configured to engage and sealagainst the distal tip of the umbrella when the distal tip slides intosaid throughbore to prevent water leakage out of said receiver such thatwater is contained within said carrier until the user pulls the distaltip of the umbrella from said carrier thereby opening said throughboreand allowing the water to drain therethrough; and a plurality of spacedapart eyelets mounted to said sheath between said open proximal end andsaid distal end to define aeration ports through said sheath, saidaeration ports configured to facilitate drying of said sheath after theumbrella is removed from said sheath.
 2. An umbrella carrier as setforth in claim 1 further comprising a stiffening rod that extends alongsaid sheath from said proximal end to said distal end.
 3. An umbrellacarrier as set forth in claim 2 wherein said stiffening rod extends atleast 80 percent of a length of said sheath.
 4. An umbrella carrier asset forth in claim 2 wherein said stiffening rod is elongate in shapeand is formed of plastic material.
 5. An umbrella carrier as set forthin claim 2 wherein said sheath is formed of a plurality of layers ofmaterial and said stiffening rod is positioned between two of saidplurality of layers of material.
 6. An umbrella carrier as set forth inclaim 2 wherein said stiffening rod is mounted to said receiver.
 7. Anumbrella carrier as set forth in claim 1 wherein said receiver includesa body and a cap mounted to said body, said seal being captured betweensaid body and said cap.
 8. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 7wherein said body has a first mating feature and said cap has a secondmating feature for mating with said first mating feature to secure saidcap to said body.
 9. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 1 whereinsaid receiver is formed of a rigid plastic material.
 10. An umbrellacarrier as set forth in claim 1 wherein said sheath comprises an innerlayer, an outer layer, and an intermediate layer disposed between saidinner and outer layers.
 11. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 10wherein said outer layer is formed of polyurethane.
 12. An umbrellacarrier as set forth in claim 10 wherein said inner layer is formed ofnylon.
 13. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 10 wherein saidintermediate layer is formed of a blended polymeric material.
 14. Anumbrella carrier as set forth in claim 1 wherein said sheath furtherincludes a collar disposed about said open proximal end.
 15. An umbrellacarrier as set forth in claim 14 further including a ring reinforcingsaid collar.
 16. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 1 whereinsaid receiver has an outer surface partially covered by said sheath andpartially exposed beyond said distal end of said sheath.
 17. An umbrellacarrier as set forth in claim 1 wherein said seal has an inner diameterof from 0.2 inches to 0.8 inches.
 18. An umbrella carrier as set forthin claim 1 wherein each of said aeration ports has a diameter of from0.2 inches to 2.0 inches.
 19. An umbrella carrier for an umbrella havinga distal tip, said umbrella carrier comprising: a sheath having an openproximal end for receiving the umbrella and tapering from said openproximal end to a distal end, said sheath being formed of flexible innerand outer layers and a middle layer disposed between said inner andouter layers; a carrying strap attached to said sheath for carrying saidsheath on a shoulder of a user; a receiver attached to said distal endof said sheath and at least partially covered by said sheath, saidreceiver defining an opening and a throughbore wherein said receivertapers radially inwardly between said opening and said throughbore tofacilitate sliding of the distal tip of the umbrella through saidopening and into said throughbore; an annular seal seated in saidreceiver and having a sealing surface configured to engage and sealagainst the distal tip of the umbrella when the distal tip slides intosaid throughbore to prevent water leakage out of said receiver such thatwater is contained within said carrier until the user pulls the distaltip of the umbrella from said carrier thereby opening said throughboreand allowing the water to drain therethrough; and a plurality of spacedapart eyelets mounted to said sheath between said open proximal end andsaid distal end to define aeration ports through said sheath.
 20. Asystem comprising: an umbrella having a distal tip; a sheath having anopen proximal end for receiving said umbrella and extending from saidopen proximal end to a distal end, said sheath being formed of flexiblematerial; a carrying strap attached to said sheath for carrying saidsheath on a shoulder of a user; a receiver formed of plastic materialattached to said distal end of said sheath and at least partiallycovered by said sheath, said receiver defining an opening and athroughbore wherein said receiver tapers radially inwardly between saidopening and said throughbore to facilitate sliding of said distal tip ofsaid umbrella through said opening and into said throughbore; an annularseal seated in said receiver and having a sealing surface configured toengage and seal against said distal tip of said umbrella when saiddistal tip slides into said throughbore to prevent water leakage out ofsaid receiver such that water is contained within said carrier until theuser pulls said distal tip of said umbrella from said carrier therebyopening said throughbore and allowing the water to drain therethrough;and a plurality of spaced apart eyelets mounted to said sheath betweensaid open proximal end and said distal end to define aeration portsthrough said sheath, said aeration ports configured to facilitate dryingof said sheath after said umbrella is removed therefrom.